Meet Simon Squibb, serial entrepreneur, investor, and founder of The Purposeful Project. Once homeless, his mission today is to inspire, motivate and help others to start a business for free, giving everyone a chance to do what they love. We sat down for a quick chat on role models, risk taking, money and success. Take a look!
When did you start your first business, and why?
At 15 years old… I was homeless and had no choice.
Tell us about The Purposeful Project, and what inspired you to create this?
Going back to help my 15-year-old self. Although the average age of someone we help at The Purposeful Project is 23 years old.
What is your biggest passion in life, and what do you love about it?
Give without take. Helping others with no catch. It feels like a purpose.
How did you turn your passion into potential / profit?
With the best in business, I started helping those that cannot afford help, with the funding coming through other means such as social media income and sponsorship etc. This allows us to be a for-profit business and pay people properly, but also give us the power to keep our promises and never compromise the help we offer.
How do you define success?
Helping one person find their purpose and build a business they love.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in life?
The purpose of life is a life with purpose.
What advice do you have for someone just starting out?
Think big. Do what you love and it will never feel like work.
What obstacles have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Having no money as a young entrepreneur. This turned out to be a good thing, making me think innovatively to beat the competition.
Tell us one characteristic you possess that has helped you on your journey?
I like to take risks. The more risks you take, the luckier you get.
If you could go back in time, would you do anything differently?
I would probably tell my dad I loved him one last time. I was 15 years old when he died and I did not see it was coming. Otherwise I would not change anything about my life.
If you could meet your 15-year-old self, what would you say to them?
It’s going to be alright and you will find happiness again. Don’t worry.
Who do you look up to?
Obama. Yes we can!
What is the best part of your day?
I get to have it all; help others, be with my son and spend time on my health.
What makes it all worth it?
One email from someone who says their life is better because of our support as a company.
Do you believe that anyone can start a business?
Yes. Nobody is born anything, not a doctor or a lawyer… We all need training and support. The strongest people ask for help and this means anyone can be an entrepreneur.
Can money buy happiness?
Money only buys happiness if you are already happy.
Why did you choose GoDaddy?
I used to own a digital agency, so I respect the creative process. I can appreciate how much effort has been made by GoDaddy to build a creative system with creative flair that is practical and easy to use. I like the fair pricing and simplicity of the system. I am not a technical or creative person and the GoDaddy tools help me feel like I am!
What do you like about GoDaddy?
Simply, it’s simple to use.
How did you find using the GoDaddy website builder tool?
I tell people I can build a website of value in 20 minutes and if I can do it, anyone can!
What features of the GoDaddy products you use do you like best?
Website builder. Buying domain names and covering every SEO base!
Have you ever spoken to a GoDaddy Guide? If so, how were they able to help?
I spoke to the customer service folks many times, who always swiftly deal with any issue, often one that I have caused!
If you could describe your experience of building a website with GoDaddy, what would it be?
I don’t worry about building a website for my businesses and the businesses I invest in anymore, thanks to GoDaddy.
Feeling inspired?
If you’re in need of a pep talk, then don’t miss the new Purposeful Project podcast hosted by Simon: Pep Talk. Powered by GoDaddy UK, each episode explores a business success story and is all about helping you realise your business dreams.
At GoDaddy, we want to empower every idea, business, side hustle or nonprofit cause to claim their place online and look great at the same time.
A brilliant website is just the beginning. With GoDaddy you can build a website that’s designed to help you grow — from SEO tools to social integration. Websites + Marketing is an all-in-one builder that does it all and you can get started for free. Interested? Then find out more here.
